Spanish women use emergency contraception; law mandates free access, but some regions fail to comply.
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In Spain, nearly four percent of women have used emergency contraception, with use being more common among those aged 30 to 34. Since 2009, this pill has been available without a prescription, aiming to reduce unwanted pregnancies and voluntary abortions. A law from March 2023 mandates free access to emergency contraceptives in public health centers across the National Health System. However, reports indicate that three autonomous communities—Murcia, Canary Islands, and Castilla-La Mancha—were not fully complying with this mandate regarding free dispensing, although some changes are being implemented or promised. Internationally, other European countries have made strides toward making emergency contraception free or easily accessible, such as England planning to offer it for free in pharmacies by the end of the year, France offering it freely since 2023, and Portugal providing it through its national health service.
